Publications
Partners
• Upgraded interiors
• New PureTech engines
• New DS LED Vision
• Six decades of DS heritage
Citroen has updated its local DS3 range with a five-strong hatchback line-up sporting upgraded cabins and new PureTech engines.
The new line-up coincides with Citroen celebrating of 60 years of its DS heritage.
Peugeot/Citroen SA's managing director Francis Harnie said: “The upgraded DS3 line-up emphasises high equipment levels, new engine technology and a more succinct naming structure. It is further proof of our commitment to the SA market and its customers, and our intention to offer local buyers meaningful, desirable, products."
NEW ENGINES
The range comprises five derivatives, including the DS3 Cabrio which becomes a DS3 derivative instead of a separate model. The line-up offers four engines, two transmissions and three specifications (Design, Style, Sport). Many of the DS3 features, Citroen says, previously offered as added-cost options, have now been included as standard.
There is a choice of seven colours (with optional white or black roof) and Citroen SA says the only optional extras for each model are metallic paint, an upgraded service plan and a warranty extension.
ENTRY-LEVEL PURETECH DESIGN
The entry-level, front-wheel drive PureTech Design, is powered by a 60kW/118Nm PureTech petrol mated to five-speed manual. The new engine enables it to reach 100km/h in 12.3 sec and 174km/h.
Fuel consumption is rated at a claimed 4.7 litres/100km with emissions of 109g/km. It has 16" steel rims with 195/55 R16 tyres. The DS3 Design can only be ordered with a black roof.
Standard kit includes leather-trimmed, cloth sport seats, manual aircon, cruise control, remote central locking (with immobiliser and alarm), six speakers Radio/CD audio system with Bluetooth, USB and Aux connectivity. It also has power and heatable side-mirrors.
In terms of safety it has six air bags, tyre pressure monitor, anti-lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), electronic stability programme (ESP) and Isofix.
PURETECH STYLE - 81kW
The DS3 e-THP PureTech Style is powered by a turbocharged, e-THP version of the 1.2-litre PureTech engine capable of 81kW/205Nm linked to a five-speed manual.
The DS3 Style (with stop/start) accelerates to 100km/h in 10.6 sec and on to a top speed of 190km/h. Fuel consumption is 4.5 litres/100km with emissions of 104g/km.
Externally, the most obvious difference compared to the Design variant are black 17" alloy rims and 205/45 R17 tyres. The Style unit has tinted rear windows, parking sensors and auto headlights.
Other than its gloss black dashboard its interior remains identical to that of the Design.
DS3 CABRIOLET, STYLE AUTO
The DS3 e-THP 81kW Style hatchback is partnered by two derivatives models, both sharing the same specification - Cabriolet and Styke Auto.
The DS3 Cabriolet, sporting a black canvas top, shares the same specification as its tin-top stablemate and has identical performance figures.
The third DS3 Style model on offer is the DS3 VTi Style Automatic. It's powered by an 81kW four-cylinder 1.5-litre mated to a four-speed auto. It can reach 0-100km/h in 10.9 sec and 190km/h. Fuel consumption is 6.6 litres/100km with emissions of 150g/km.
RANGE-TOPPING DS3 SPORT
The DS3 Sport is powered by a turbocharged, four-cylinder, 1.5-litre petrol capable of 120kW/240Nm linked to a six-speed manual. It sprints to 100km/h in 8.1 sec and can reach 218 km/h. Fuel consumption is rated to 5.6 litres/100km with emissions of 129g/km.
The Sport has new DS LED Vision headlights, which combine xenons and LED modules. The Sport uses the same specification as its DS3 Style siblings but adds auto aircon, leather trim and upgraded audio system and satnav.
The iconic Citroen DS19 was launched in 1955 and six decades later still serves as the inspiration for the DS brand’s 21st Century products.
PRICES
DS3 PureTech 60kW Design - R239 900
DS3 e-THP PureTech 81kW Style - R279 900
DS3 VTi 88kW Style auto - R294 900
DS3 Cabrio e-THP Puretech 81kW Style - R304 900
DS3 e-THP 120kW Sport - R329 900
Prices include a three-year or 100 000km warranty, a four-year or 60 000km service plan and three years of 24-hour AA roadside assistance. A five-year or 100 000km warranty extension and FreeDrive (comprising a five-year or 100 000km warranty and five-year or 100 000km maintenance plan) is available.
NEW DS3 RANGE: Citroen's revised DS3 range features a number of mechanical and style improvements. Image: MotorPress
